Miss. church apologizes for barring black marriage

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A predominantly white Mississippi church has apologized for its refusal to allow a black couple to marry in its sanctuary, though the couple says they knew nothing of the apology until a reporter called.

The First Baptist Church of Crystal Springs posted the apology on its website Sunday. It says the church was seeking "forgiveness and reconciliation" with Charles Wilson and Te'Andrea Henderson Wilson, their families and friends and God.

However, Charles Wilson says no one from the church had contacted him or his wife. He called the church's apology an insult.

Church officials did not immediately respond to a phone call seeking further comment Monday.

The couple had to move their wedding last month to a predominantly black church, where Weatherford officiated.